Four Bodies From Phuket Pub Fire Identified As 2 Thais, 2 Foreigners

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Four bodies from Phuket pub fire identified as 2 Thais, 2 foreigners

PHUKET, Aug 23 – Four bodies in last week's Phuket pub fire have been identified as two Thais and two foreigners.

Three bodies were returned to their families while the last, that of a French national, is still awaiting a DNA test before being released.

Pol Lt-Col Kittisak Noophueng, an inspector, said death certificates have been issued for the three persons whose remains were identified following the results of forensic tests and other evidence.

A DNA test must be conducted on the body of the deceased French national and compare it with DNA samples of relatives to ensure there is no discrepancy before handing over the body to the deceased's family despite identification evidence found with his body.

Police have questioned 20 witnesses at the Tiger Pub and Discotheque.

The owner has talked to relatives of the dead victims to settle compensation.

Meanwhile, Phuket Governor Tri Akaradecha said he had received an initial investigation report from police that a short circuit was the cause of the fire.

The entire compound must be demolished and renovation needs a serious investment.

Officers from Patong municipality and Kathu district are investigating whether the Tiger Pub and Discotheque owner had legal documents for expanding his building. The original building was erected over ten years ago. A conclusion will be made within several days, Mr Tri said.

However, police have not filed charges against the nightclub's owner, as they are still collecting evidence.

The governor assigned his deputy and Kathu chief district officer to ask all nightclub owners at Patong Beach to discuss further prevention against such incidents. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2012-08-23